I am sitting here waiting to hear from Phil. It the fraternity annual "funk bowl" a fraternity brother took Phil out.
Now the funk bowl is a all out contact tackle football game that is held every year on Superbowl Sunday. There are no helmets or pads for this game. Just "brotherly love" fight to the death leave 'em bleeding football.
Phil called and said Mike was taking him to the minor med because he might have a broken jaw. The docs at minor med did an xray but couldn't see anything. Sent him home with pain pills and orders to call in the morning if not better. Said htey would get him into an ENT?!?!?!
Fast forward to this morning...
He calls and says that he is going for a panoramic xray. They still see nothing but Phil tells me that his bite is off by about 1/4".
I do the only thing I can think of. I call my old friend and Phil's orthodontist from many moons ago. I tell the receptionist my problem. They get Phil in within the hour.
From what I was able to tell from Phil's gritted teeth talk, Kevin took one look, had Phil attempt to bite down and said you need an oral surgeon.
He tried to call the ones where Phil was seen yesterday, but they were all at lunch. So KEvin sent Phil to a new guy in town. HE took one look at phil and got on the phone with Tallgrass and started yelling about how poor their treatment was and why the HE@@ were they trying to get him to an ENT when his nose wasn't broken and his throat wasn't collapsed. This doc tells Tall Grass that they need to have their oral surgeon look at him PDQ. He sends phil to the fraternaity to wait for a call. The oral surgeon from Tall Grass then passes him off to a Dr. Zeller who Phil is currently waiting to see.
Best possible scenario - reset jaw and wire shut for a few days
Worst case scenario - surgery and wire shut for a few weeks????
Either way he is going to drop the weight he wants.
I will update as situation warrents.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Pixie dust comes alive
I looked at Scott yesterday and said we need to escape. It has been a long few months. With my gall bladder surgery and then everything that happened with Scott. I need to re energize.
So off to the phone I go. I manage to get a room on points at the sheraton across from Disney. I got reservatins for valentine's night at Goofy's kitchen. All set to go.
WRONG!!!!
Freinds at the yarn shop told me that we were going President's weekend and that is the absolutely worst weekend to go. Every kid in SoCal will be there as well hs half the kids from NoCal. It is a 3 day weekend so lots of parents head there for the long weekend - rookie resident mistake.
Then
We look at the calendar and realize that Saturday Feb 14 is the start of the of the Tour of California. We have both been looking forward to it. Scott used to race against some of the competitors when he was a kid. Plus a chance to see Lance Armstrong race is a huge pull.
Since he agreed to go to Disney for a weekend the least I can do is move our weekend. So I have changed out dates we not go Feb 19-22. I have to make reservations for goofys kitchen again.
So the plan is that while Drew is at school I will pack overnight bags and leave them in the garage. Scott is leaving work early and when he gets home he will put the bags in the trunk. This way Drew won't know. Then we will load up and head out. I have had many people tell me times to get to anaheim range from 5 hours to 7 hours. Who knows.
I am really looking forward to getting away for a few days.
Here's to a magical weekend with a very generous helping of Pixie dust.
C
So off to the phone I go. I manage to get a room on points at the sheraton across from Disney. I got reservatins for valentine's night at Goofy's kitchen. All set to go.
WRONG!!!!
Freinds at the yarn shop told me that we were going President's weekend and that is the absolutely worst weekend to go. Every kid in SoCal will be there as well hs half the kids from NoCal. It is a 3 day weekend so lots of parents head there for the long weekend - rookie resident mistake.
Then
We look at the calendar and realize that Saturday Feb 14 is the start of the of the Tour of California. We have both been looking forward to it. Scott used to race against some of the competitors when he was a kid. Plus a chance to see Lance Armstrong race is a huge pull.
Since he agreed to go to Disney for a weekend the least I can do is move our weekend. So I have changed out dates we not go Feb 19-22. I have to make reservations for goofys kitchen again.
So the plan is that while Drew is at school I will pack overnight bags and leave them in the garage. Scott is leaving work early and when he gets home he will put the bags in the trunk. This way Drew won't know. Then we will load up and head out. I have had many people tell me times to get to anaheim range from 5 hours to 7 hours. Who knows.
I am really looking forward to getting away for a few days.
Here's to a magical weekend with a very generous helping of Pixie dust.
C
Friday, January 30, 2009
Maybe Mom does know something.
I have mentioned is several posts about a girl Phil likes. He has wanted to date her but he was following the advice of the guys in the frat. Big mistake. DO you know what happens when 30+ 20 something guys live together. There is a fear of showing their caring side. Even to the opposite sex.
All Thru Christmas I kept hearing about this young lady. Phil had it bad. He would text her on a continual basis - thang goodness for unlimited texting plans. She would drive him crazy. Anyway, Phil had been following the advice of his frat brothers. They were telling him to be standoffish -and to "just make your move already" He was getting nowhere with her.
The other day he was in a really bad mood. He even took it out me which Scott agreed was unusual. I texted him and told him it was time for tough love. I asked why he was letting everyone else dictate how he persued this girl. Obviously what the guys in the house were telling him weren't getting him anywhere.
He called last night. I get "thanks mom" I am perplexed.
He said " I decided to be myself and do what I knew was right" I am more perplexed.
HE said "you raised me right" OK chalk one up for mom but what the heck are you talking about?
He said " I am not macho and uncaring." OK I agree
He said "I went to the florist and sent XXXX 2 yellow roses yesterday"
HE HAD BEEN LISTENING after all. Years of drilling into him how to treat a girl had paid off.
He is the talk of the young lady's sorority house.
Mom 1 frat brothers 0 (at least in how to treat a lady.)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Christmas with Louise
Every year this goes around and it seemed appropriate to share~ I hope no one is offended, as it is meant only in fun. It was submitted to a 1999 Louisville Sentinel contest to find out who had the wildest Christmas dinner, and won first prize.
I spewed coffee everywhere when I read this. I hope you get a chuckle out of it .
As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings were overflowed, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.
One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at Wal-Mart.
I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown. If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, "What does this do?" "You're kidding me!" "Who would buy that?" Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section. I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the carpool lane during rush hour.
Finding what I wanted was difficult. Love dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled on 'Lovable Louise." She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a "doll" took a huge leap of imagination.
On Christmas Eve, with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life. My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours, long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louis's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours. The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more. We all agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.
My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the hell is that?" she asked. My brother quickly explained, "It's a doll." "Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped. I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut. "Where are her clothes?" Granny continued.
"Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran," Jay, my brother said, trying to steer her into the dining room. But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn't she have any teeth?" Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny! Hang on!"
My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?" I told him she was Jay's friend. A few minutes later, I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home. The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise that sounded a lot like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the panty hose, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa.
The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants and Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.
It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember. Later in my mother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louis's collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh. Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health.
Louise went on to star in several bachelor party movies. I think Grandpa still calls her whenever he can get out of the house.
I spewed coffee everywhere when I read this. I hope you get a chuckle out of it .
As a joke, my brother used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them. What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings were overflowed, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.
One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable love doll. They don't sell those things at Wal-Mart.
I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown. If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, "What does this do?" "You're kidding me!" "Who would buy that?" Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section. I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the carpool lane during rush hour.
Finding what I wanted was difficult. Love dolls come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled on 'Lovable Louise." She was at the bottom of the price scale. To call Louise a "doll" took a huge leap of imagination.
On Christmas Eve, with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life. My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours, long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louis's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours. The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more. We all agreed that Louise should remain in her panty hose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.
My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door. "What the hell is that?" she asked. My brother quickly explained, "It's a doll." "Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped. I had several candidates in mind, but kept my mouth shut. "Where are her clothes?" Granny continued.
"Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran," Jay, my brother said, trying to steer her into the dining room. But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn't she have any teeth?" Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny! Hang on!"
My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?" I told him she was Jay's friend. A few minutes later, I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting. It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home. The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise that sounded a lot like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the panty hose, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa.
The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants and Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.
It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember. Later in my mother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louis's collapse. We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh. Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health.
Louise went on to star in several bachelor party movies. I think Grandpa still calls her whenever he can get out of the house.
Why there is no Fibromyalgia day
I promise this my last fibro post for a while.
Nobody could remember when it was.
Nobody could remember the color of the ribbons.
We couldn't find a color ribbon that wasn't used that coordinated with the colors of all the sweats.
The ribbon's pin pushed on a trigger point.
How could there be a day for something that doesn't exist?
Patients with fibromyalgia couldn't fold the ribbon into the proper shape.
Patients with fibromyalgia are too depressed to get out of bed to attend a rally.
Social Security would use our ability to rally as proof of our ability to work.
Everybody kept getting paper-cuts from trying to fold the flyers.
The bags carrying our medications were too heavy to carry.
No one wanted to leave home overnight because they couldn't pack their beds.
Somebody had to hold the planning meeting, and nobody's house was clean enough.
Someone set up a massage booth, and it got so crowded it collapsed. Since everyone was in the booth at the time, nobody was left to rally.
Everyone wanted the bumper sticker, "See, I told you I was sick," but the printer ran out.
There weren't enough Porta-Potties in the state for the folks with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The politicians realized the size of the voting block, and the media trucks filled all the parking spots.
Some doctor said, "It's all in your head," but they never found the body.
The booth offering 'Chocolate Diet Pills' ran out in 10 minutes.
The people using TENS units shorted out the Pacific power grid.10 percent of the crowd went into a flare at the same time, and the resulting glow melted the ice caps at both poles.
author unknown
Nobody could remember when it was.
Nobody could remember the color of the ribbons.
We couldn't find a color ribbon that wasn't used that coordinated with the colors of all the sweats.
The ribbon's pin pushed on a trigger point.
How could there be a day for something that doesn't exist?
Patients with fibromyalgia couldn't fold the ribbon into the proper shape.
Patients with fibromyalgia are too depressed to get out of bed to attend a rally.
Social Security would use our ability to rally as proof of our ability to work.
Everybody kept getting paper-cuts from trying to fold the flyers.
The bags carrying our medications were too heavy to carry.
No one wanted to leave home overnight because they couldn't pack their beds.
Somebody had to hold the planning meeting, and nobody's house was clean enough.
Someone set up a massage booth, and it got so crowded it collapsed. Since everyone was in the booth at the time, nobody was left to rally.
Everyone wanted the bumper sticker, "See, I told you I was sick," but the printer ran out.
There weren't enough Porta-Potties in the state for the folks with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The politicians realized the size of the voting block, and the media trucks filled all the parking spots.
Some doctor said, "It's all in your head," but they never found the body.
The booth offering 'Chocolate Diet Pills' ran out in 10 minutes.
The people using TENS units shorted out the Pacific power grid.10 percent of the crowd went into a flare at the same time, and the resulting glow melted the ice caps at both poles.
author unknown
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
SPOONS
I have an invisible chronic syndrome. Most people don't realize I am sick because I don't look like it. A woman with Lupus, Christine Miserandino, came up with the Spoon Theory to explain to her friend what it was like to live with a chronic condition day in and day out. I had heard of the Spoon theory before but never really got it until I reread it a few weeks ago.I have been struggling with symptoms for several year but only got a REAL diagnosis a year ago. I am just beginning to accept my limitations. Some days I have lots of spoons when I get up. Others I only have 4 or five.
Christine explained that "the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted."
I am copying the spoon theory from the website butyoudon'tlooksick.com I know it is long but please read it.
Christine explained that "the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted."
I am copying the spoon theory from the website butyoudon'tlooksick.com I know it is long but please read it.
by Christine Miserandino www.butyoudontlooksick.com
My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.
As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?
I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.
As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.
At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.
I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.
Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.
She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?
I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of "spoons". But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I’ve wanted more "spoons" for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.
I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can't take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.
I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons", because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.
We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.
When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.
I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared”
Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons".
After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”
Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons".
© 2003 by Christine Miserandino Butyoudontlooksick.com
When I first read this I thought only of my mom and what she went thru. I wish I had this story when she was sick. While I don't suffer from Lupus I still must make choices each day as to what I can/will/want to.
count your spoons before you go to bed and Thank God for each spoon you can use and always have one in reserve so you can spend that spoon on a friend.
A little cheese with my WHINE
I started this post as a whine about what is wrong with me but as I wrote it I realzied it was more of an information piece about Fibromyalgia Syndrome and me.
I have been diagnosed fibromyalgia This is not something made up that is just in my mind. This is an honest to god syndrome with real symptoms. I try hard not to complain because I know so many people have worse problems than I do. But it gets really frustrating when I try to vent and hear things like - your mom never complained about her illness, see a shrink it is just depression, the pain can't BE that BAD, lose weight that will solve ALL your problems, why are you always tired, why can't you remember anything, the list goes on.
Fibro is not a well understood problem. It is very difficult to diagnose as there are other diseases out there who mimic Fibro. I have recently had ruled out Chrons, Hep A-C, Celiac, thyroid, and ruematoid arthritis. The main diagnosis for Fibro is something called pain points. There are 18 points where pain typical is in a person with Fibro - if you have at least 11 and everything else has been ruled out then they will agree you have Fibro. Yea for a diagnosis but now how to treat it. It is not a well understood problem so it isn't easy to treat. (there isn't even a correct spelling for Fibro in spell check so how can it be treated if it can't even be spelled?)
I recently went on Lyrica - it works OK but I am on a low dose. Unfortunately I have gained 10 pounds on it. People on it tend to gain up to 10% of their current body weight. I am asking to go off of it Friday. I have learned from reading that pain management is one of the main components. Problem is most regular docs don't understand the amount of pain a Fibro patient suffers. On a good day my pain is a 4 out of 10. Those days I can function pretty well. I try to manage to be a normal housewife and mom on those days. But right now because my former doctor doesn't understand fibro or the management of it I am changing docs, I sit most days at least an 8 out of 10. Yes I know I have given birth and labor was painful. BUT this is different pain. It is hard to describe. Ever have the flu? Of course you have. you know that achy feeling you get when you are on day 2 or so? It is like that but only worse. Some days I feel like someone has poured cement in to my body and I have to stop and think about how to walk.
A second problem is fatigue and insomnia. I get very tired. Look for an artitcle tomorrow about the spoons. It explains the fatigue very well. I have taken to telling Scott I have about used all my spoons for the day. It is a signal to me that I am listening to my body and to Scott that I need some relief from mom/wife duties for the rest of the evening. Some days it happens at 2 or 3 and others it happens at 7. Even then, I try very hard not to miss my bedtime routine with Drew. It isn't is fault that I have this crap. Insomnia is a nightmare - no pun intended. I do try to be a regular mom and not have this impact him too much. I volunteer in his class for 3 hours one day a week. I use all my spoons by then. He has playdates etc. I just have to manage what I do on those days so I am able be alert and able to deal with things.
Another major problem I suffer from is memory loss - some call it Fibro Fog. It is not dementia. I know who people are and what my car keys are for. My problem is I can't remember names of people and things. I never know when it will strike. The other day I couldn't remember what a magnet was called. I knew exactly where it was on the fridge, I knew the color and what I needed off of magnet but DAMN if I could remember what to call it. A week ago I couldn't remember my phone #. I was talking to an insurance company and she rattled off a phone #. I had no clue if it was mine. I had to stop and look for my # to make sure it was correct. It can be embarassing and frustrating. Be patient with me. I don't like not remembering things. It has always been something I was very good at. Scott has taken to having me describe what I am trying to say then he fills in teh blank. I used to get mad when he would guess before i could describe. So we have found a way to communicate. Phil gets pretty frustrated with me but I think he is doing better.
I try to make a joke out of most of this - what else can I do? Wallow in self pity? Nah my mom wouldn't have done that. She was strong. And I try to be like my mom - to a point. She was dealt a very crappy hand. My hand is better but don't blow me off when I try to talk about it. I am not asking for sympathy I am asking for understanding. I don't need advice, I need a cyberhug - softly because hugs can hurt some days. Ask me how I am truly doing if you don't want to know. My typical answer is I am fine. don't press for more information just to be polite. IF you want to know I can answer your questions. I am reading lots on how to work with this.
soft hug to everyone. Look for spoons tomorrow.
FTPD
C
I have been diagnosed fibromyalgia This is not something made up that is just in my mind. This is an honest to god syndrome with real symptoms. I try hard not to complain because I know so many people have worse problems than I do. But it gets really frustrating when I try to vent and hear things like - your mom never complained about her illness, see a shrink it is just depression, the pain can't BE that BAD, lose weight that will solve ALL your problems, why are you always tired, why can't you remember anything, the list goes on.
Fibro is not a well understood problem. It is very difficult to diagnose as there are other diseases out there who mimic Fibro. I have recently had ruled out Chrons, Hep A-C, Celiac, thyroid, and ruematoid arthritis. The main diagnosis for Fibro is something called pain points. There are 18 points where pain typical is in a person with Fibro - if you have at least 11 and everything else has been ruled out then they will agree you have Fibro. Yea for a diagnosis but now how to treat it. It is not a well understood problem so it isn't easy to treat. (there isn't even a correct spelling for Fibro in spell check so how can it be treated if it can't even be spelled?)
I recently went on Lyrica - it works OK but I am on a low dose. Unfortunately I have gained 10 pounds on it. People on it tend to gain up to 10% of their current body weight. I am asking to go off of it Friday. I have learned from reading that pain management is one of the main components. Problem is most regular docs don't understand the amount of pain a Fibro patient suffers. On a good day my pain is a 4 out of 10. Those days I can function pretty well. I try to manage to be a normal housewife and mom on those days. But right now because my former doctor doesn't understand fibro or the management of it I am changing docs, I sit most days at least an 8 out of 10. Yes I know I have given birth and labor was painful. BUT this is different pain. It is hard to describe. Ever have the flu? Of course you have. you know that achy feeling you get when you are on day 2 or so? It is like that but only worse. Some days I feel like someone has poured cement in to my body and I have to stop and think about how to walk.
A second problem is fatigue and insomnia. I get very tired. Look for an artitcle tomorrow about the spoons. It explains the fatigue very well. I have taken to telling Scott I have about used all my spoons for the day. It is a signal to me that I am listening to my body and to Scott that I need some relief from mom/wife duties for the rest of the evening. Some days it happens at 2 or 3 and others it happens at 7. Even then, I try very hard not to miss my bedtime routine with Drew. It isn't is fault that I have this crap. Insomnia is a nightmare - no pun intended. I do try to be a regular mom and not have this impact him too much. I volunteer in his class for 3 hours one day a week. I use all my spoons by then. He has playdates etc. I just have to manage what I do on those days so I am able be alert and able to deal with things.
Another major problem I suffer from is memory loss - some call it Fibro Fog. It is not dementia. I know who people are and what my car keys are for. My problem is I can't remember names of people and things. I never know when it will strike. The other day I couldn't remember what a magnet was called. I knew exactly where it was on the fridge, I knew the color and what I needed off of magnet but DAMN if I could remember what to call it. A week ago I couldn't remember my phone #. I was talking to an insurance company and she rattled off a phone #. I had no clue if it was mine. I had to stop and look for my # to make sure it was correct. It can be embarassing and frustrating. Be patient with me. I don't like not remembering things. It has always been something I was very good at. Scott has taken to having me describe what I am trying to say then he fills in teh blank. I used to get mad when he would guess before i could describe. So we have found a way to communicate. Phil gets pretty frustrated with me but I think he is doing better.
I try to make a joke out of most of this - what else can I do? Wallow in self pity? Nah my mom wouldn't have done that. She was strong. And I try to be like my mom - to a point. She was dealt a very crappy hand. My hand is better but don't blow me off when I try to talk about it. I am not asking for sympathy I am asking for understanding. I don't need advice, I need a cyberhug - softly because hugs can hurt some days. Ask me how I am truly doing if you don't want to know. My typical answer is I am fine. don't press for more information just to be polite. IF you want to know I can answer your questions. I am reading lots on how to work with this.
soft hug to everyone. Look for spoons tomorrow.
FTPD
C
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Glorious day
What a day. I got to watch history in the making. Watching President Obama get sworn in was amazing. Even if the Chief Justice messed it up a little. I loved Mrs. Obama's dress for the swearing in. The color seemed to scream SPRING. And to me spring brings hope renewed. Ant that is where we are at today. Today we are at a wonderful cross road where hope is renewed and it springs eternal in the hearts of people everywhere. I loved watching one of the daughters with her camera taking pictures of the crowd. This had to be an amazing day for them to.
I did feel sorry for the dignitaries in the stands. When I saw Mohammad Ali come in almost 2 hours before the ceremony started my thought was - I hope someone put hand toasties in his pockets. It had to be uncomfortable sitting in those folding chairs for so long. Who's brilliant idea was it to have this thing in January? I vote we move it to April.
I was glad I was watching the ceremonies from the comfort of my warm house. I had a much better view than the million people freezing their tush off and not being able to see anything.
I missed Beyonce tonight singing "At Last" while the first couple danced. I am sure I will catch a repeat. I am no fashion guru but I thought white tie went only with tails. I was vey surprised to see the President in a white tie and short coat this evening. But what do I know?
I do know that I wish Mr. Obama 4 years of Faith Trust and lots of pixie dust to get us back on track and show the world what America is really all about.
Stay warm my Kansas Friends. And send an umbrella, I am going to need it this week.
Cathy
I did feel sorry for the dignitaries in the stands. When I saw Mohammad Ali come in almost 2 hours before the ceremony started my thought was - I hope someone put hand toasties in his pockets. It had to be uncomfortable sitting in those folding chairs for so long. Who's brilliant idea was it to have this thing in January? I vote we move it to April.
I was glad I was watching the ceremonies from the comfort of my warm house. I had a much better view than the million people freezing their tush off and not being able to see anything.
I missed Beyonce tonight singing "At Last" while the first couple danced. I am sure I will catch a repeat. I am no fashion guru but I thought white tie went only with tails. I was vey surprised to see the President in a white tie and short coat this evening. But what do I know?
I do know that I wish Mr. Obama 4 years of Faith Trust and lots of pixie dust to get us back on track and show the world what America is really all about.
Stay warm my Kansas Friends. And send an umbrella, I am going to need it this week.
Cathy
Sunday, January 18, 2009
He is back in Kansas Toto
Well, Phil left today. It is funny. When he is here it is like he was never gone. The family dynamic switches back to include him and make him part of the nuclear family. But as soon as he is gone, we go back almost instantly to a family of 3. While there is a hole that he always leaves when he is not with us, it isn't like we don't have our roles. Not sure if I am making myself clear.
I had a friend tell me that by going back to that nuclear family, I was not allowing him to grow and find his own way. I disagree. To me, even tho he is on his own he still needs some guidance. Heck there are times I need guidance from my dad. I don't think parenting ever stops. It just grows and changes as the child grows and changes. My role is no longer disciplinarian, keeper of the car keys, checking to make sure he washes and brushes his teeth. I am more of a guider as he gets older. I talk more and listen more. I try to respect his opinion and his choices. He is at the age that I have become very dumb. He knows it all. He has is world opinion - from his limited world view. It will change as he grows. I hope.
I know I did something right. We were at the mall and Drew handed me a bag to carry. I took it. Phil took it from me and explained to Drew that men should always carry bags for women because it is polite. Where did that come from?
He is back in Topeka. Mike and Brooke picked him up this evening. He wsa going directly to Lisa's to see Kennedy. That is Meghan's daughter. Meghan is Phil's cousin who is 4 months younger than him. Trent's sister. Someday I need to figure out how to put a family tree on here. LOL. Phil loves Kennedy - Kenny for short. she is almost 3. WOW that is hard to believe. She adores Phil. They have a very special relationship. Then he was headed to the fraternity. He had a meeting with a certain girl.
I am still knitting away. I have taken a break from the blue sweater. I don't understand the next section of instructions so I need to pop into the yarn shop this week for clarification. I have been working on the sleeve of the gray sweater. Today it looked more lavender. I really need something brainless tonight so i think I will work on my wrap for a while. It has been neglected lately. I am hoping that the pattern for the Bravo bag gets here this week. I am DYING to work on it.
Here is to massive Faith with the inaguration of a new President this week. May God protect him and provide him the wisdom to lead us to a better country and world.
C
I had a friend tell me that by going back to that nuclear family, I was not allowing him to grow and find his own way. I disagree. To me, even tho he is on his own he still needs some guidance. Heck there are times I need guidance from my dad. I don't think parenting ever stops. It just grows and changes as the child grows and changes. My role is no longer disciplinarian, keeper of the car keys, checking to make sure he washes and brushes his teeth. I am more of a guider as he gets older. I talk more and listen more. I try to respect his opinion and his choices. He is at the age that I have become very dumb. He knows it all. He has is world opinion - from his limited world view. It will change as he grows. I hope.
I know I did something right. We were at the mall and Drew handed me a bag to carry. I took it. Phil took it from me and explained to Drew that men should always carry bags for women because it is polite. Where did that come from?
He is back in Topeka. Mike and Brooke picked him up this evening. He wsa going directly to Lisa's to see Kennedy. That is Meghan's daughter. Meghan is Phil's cousin who is 4 months younger than him. Trent's sister. Someday I need to figure out how to put a family tree on here. LOL. Phil loves Kennedy - Kenny for short. she is almost 3. WOW that is hard to believe. She adores Phil. They have a very special relationship. Then he was headed to the fraternity. He had a meeting with a certain girl.
I am still knitting away. I have taken a break from the blue sweater. I don't understand the next section of instructions so I need to pop into the yarn shop this week for clarification. I have been working on the sleeve of the gray sweater. Today it looked more lavender. I really need something brainless tonight so i think I will work on my wrap for a while. It has been neglected lately. I am hoping that the pattern for the Bravo bag gets here this week. I am DYING to work on it.
Here is to massive Faith with the inaguration of a new President this week. May God protect him and provide him the wisdom to lead us to a better country and world.
C
Saturday, January 17, 2009
updates
First I know I am boring everyone with my knitting updates. But sorry. for any crafty people out there - esp knitters there is a new website to check out. If you WOOT , this is the knitters version. It is called Dizzy Sheep It is brand new, been around since Novemberish. I just ordered a couple "bags o knit" from there. I will let you know what is in it.
Phil leaves tomorrow. Mixed emotions on that. It has been a good visit but he is anxious to get back and that is adding a little tension. You see, there is this girl, and she is looking for her Superman, and Phil thinks he can be her Superman since she is counting down the days until he gets back. Enough said.
Drew had the last of this series of tests. He had an ambulatroy EEG for the past 24 hours. The tech who removed the wires this morning told me that Drew's neurologist was in teh hosptial waiting for it to be downloaded because he wanted to see it. WE don't have an appt until mid March for follow up. The tech did tell me he would relay that to Dr. Chez because that seemed like a long time to wait. I know the Fragile X came back normal. I don't know anything about the Chromosomal studies. The spine xray didn't show anything except a buldging disk. Nto sure what the Brain MRI showed. The thyroid, and celiac are normal. Hopefully we will here something soon. That way we can start something.
I am knitting like mad. My fibro is acting up. But what is new about that. I saw my GP last week and didn't like who the Rheumotologist sent me to so she has a new Rheumotologist to send me to. They will be upping my Lyrica again this week.
Scott is back at it. Even with all that time off for his illness he was in the top 10 billers for the year for the company. - before the surgery and recup he was in the top 3. I keep telling him he is a work a holic. There are some changes in the company coming down the pike. We are just waiting to see what it means for Scott. We don't anticipate another move. They would have to take me kicking and screaming. So we just sit and wait for the announcements right now...
That is about it
C
Phil leaves tomorrow. Mixed emotions on that. It has been a good visit but he is anxious to get back and that is adding a little tension. You see, there is this girl, and she is looking for her Superman, and Phil thinks he can be her Superman since she is counting down the days until he gets back. Enough said.
Drew had the last of this series of tests. He had an ambulatroy EEG for the past 24 hours. The tech who removed the wires this morning told me that Drew's neurologist was in teh hosptial waiting for it to be downloaded because he wanted to see it. WE don't have an appt until mid March for follow up. The tech did tell me he would relay that to Dr. Chez because that seemed like a long time to wait. I know the Fragile X came back normal. I don't know anything about the Chromosomal studies. The spine xray didn't show anything except a buldging disk. Nto sure what the Brain MRI showed. The thyroid, and celiac are normal. Hopefully we will here something soon. That way we can start something.
I am knitting like mad. My fibro is acting up. But what is new about that. I saw my GP last week and didn't like who the Rheumotologist sent me to so she has a new Rheumotologist to send me to. They will be upping my Lyrica again this week.
Scott is back at it. Even with all that time off for his illness he was in the top 10 billers for the year for the company. - before the surgery and recup he was in the top 3. I keep telling him he is a work a holic. There are some changes in the company coming down the pike. We are just waiting to see what it means for Scott. We don't anticipate another move. They would have to take me kicking and screaming. So we just sit and wait for the announcements right now...
That is about it
C
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
projects
So how many is too many knitting projects at a time. I have 4 going right now. I have 2 sweaters (pictures posted). I have a wrap/shawl. I have a labyrinth hexagon carpet bag. I need to get pictures of the others so you can see the progress.I really need to get the carpet bag done so that when my pattern for the bravo bag gets here I can get it started. I have many people (non knitters) say that 4 is too many. Personally I like having many projects in different stages. When I get bored or frustrated with one I can let it hibernate and work on another one. Makes perfect sense to me. Guess you have to be a knitter to understand. Maybe crafters understand.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It is official
I am old. I got my eyes examined yesterday. I was put in bifocals. I went with progressive lenses. Same thing happened to Scott. Some how the poem 'Come grow old with me' comes to mind. It isn't a horrible superscription but still it is the idea of it. The doc said I could have gone with one pair for distance and for close work but felt that progressives would be the best bet.
So I went on my mission to find that purse pattern. I went to the 'other' knit shop in town. It was awful. The owner was rude there was no yarn selection, and she didn't have the pattern. I asked if she could order it and she said yes that she would be seeing the designer at a conference this coming weekend and would see about it. But she it wasn't her ordering time and I would have to wait until she ordered again to get it. So I went to 'my' yarn shop. I showed the pattern to the girls and everyone fell in love with it. We pulled up the website and Anna had me pick about 10 patterns to order for the shop. THEN she told me once I got the bag knitted up she would have me teach the class on it. SO cool. There are several of this designers patterns that I am going to make. She has one that is called 'Saturday Morning' I am in love with it. There are several others but those are the ones I am starting with.
I need to get pictures of my projects and get them posted on here so you can see the progress.
Phil leaves in a week. It has been a really good visit. I am going to miss him. He is interested in this girl. Enough said. For now.
Wishing you Faith Trust and Pixie dust
C
So I went on my mission to find that purse pattern. I went to the 'other' knit shop in town. It was awful. The owner was rude there was no yarn selection, and she didn't have the pattern. I asked if she could order it and she said yes that she would be seeing the designer at a conference this coming weekend and would see about it. But she it wasn't her ordering time and I would have to wait until she ordered again to get it. So I went to 'my' yarn shop. I showed the pattern to the girls and everyone fell in love with it. We pulled up the website and Anna had me pick about 10 patterns to order for the shop. THEN she told me once I got the bag knitted up she would have me teach the class on it. SO cool. There are several of this designers patterns that I am going to make. She has one that is called 'Saturday Morning' I am in love with it. There are several others but those are the ones I am starting with.
I need to get pictures of my projects and get them posted on here so you can see the progress.
Phil leaves in a week. It has been a really good visit. I am going to miss him. He is interested in this girl. Enough said. For now.
Wishing you Faith Trust and Pixie dust
C
Friday, January 09, 2009
date night
No not with my husband - although that would be nice. I have a date night with my fave 6 year old. Phil and Scott are headed to the Sacramento Kings vs Miami Heat game tonight. So it is just the munchkin and I. Haven't quite figured out what it will entail but I can pretty much guarantee it will include McDonalds.
I am going pattern searching today. I found the cutest bag ijn a knitting magazine last night. It isn't at my normal yarn store but it is to be at one in Elk Grove. So Phil and I are on a mission this afternoon. Here is the link It actually uses belts as the handles. I am really excited to do this one. I have 2 sweaters I am working on as well as a shawl. I am also working on another handbag but I am letting it hibernate for a while. It is driving me crazy so I am stepping a way from it for a while. My sis has this crazy idea that I should only do one project at a time. Silly silly girl. the more projects the better.
off to our mission
I am going pattern searching today. I found the cutest bag ijn a knitting magazine last night. It isn't at my normal yarn store but it is to be at one in Elk Grove. So Phil and I are on a mission this afternoon. Here is the link It actually uses belts as the handles. I am really excited to do this one. I have 2 sweaters I am working on as well as a shawl. I am also working on another handbag but I am letting it hibernate for a while. It is driving me crazy so I am stepping a way from it for a while. My sis has this crazy idea that I should only do one project at a time. Silly silly girl. the more projects the better.
off to our mission
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
First let me say DAMN COLD!!!!! It is just starting. I have started zycam but I can already feel this crap moving to my chest. It sucks to go to bed feeling good and wake up feeling like crap
OK Pixie dust alert. I have said that we are going to WDW next Christmas come Hell or high water. I called this morning and got a discount of 1500.00 on our stay. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge on the Conceirge level going in December 21 and coming home December 30. 9 nights all passes and meals and snacks included....less than 7500.00 down from 9693.00. Yes I know it looks like more than 1500.00 but I also shaved 2 days off the trip. Orginally we were leaving on Dec 19.
For those that don't know. When you sign up on line at Disney.com they will send you offers via mail and email for deals to visit. Everything from Free Dining to % off. I missed a piece of mail that offered me a deal and when I called to book this trip I asked if there was a PIN/CODE next to my name. Some people right now are getting 40% off their room. and that included Holiday season next year. The lady who helped me book the trip told that any time I see mail from Disney to check every page of the flyer because they "hide" the codes. You can also get on the mailing list by ordering the Disney travel DVD. So now I have a reason to blog. I can bore you with details and dilemmas with planning my trip.
Phil has not commited to going so at this point is is just the 3 of us.
I guess the most appropriate sign off....
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.....
Faith trust and pixie dust.
C
OK Pixie dust alert. I have said that we are going to WDW next Christmas come Hell or high water. I called this morning and got a discount of 1500.00 on our stay. We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge on the Conceirge level going in December 21 and coming home December 30. 9 nights all passes and meals and snacks included....less than 7500.00 down from 9693.00. Yes I know it looks like more than 1500.00 but I also shaved 2 days off the trip. Orginally we were leaving on Dec 19.
For those that don't know. When you sign up on line at Disney.com they will send you offers via mail and email for deals to visit. Everything from Free Dining to % off. I missed a piece of mail that offered me a deal and when I called to book this trip I asked if there was a PIN/CODE next to my name. Some people right now are getting 40% off their room. and that included Holiday season next year. The lady who helped me book the trip told that any time I see mail from Disney to check every page of the flyer because they "hide" the codes. You can also get on the mailing list by ordering the Disney travel DVD. So now I have a reason to blog. I can bore you with details and dilemmas with planning my trip.
Phil has not commited to going so at this point is is just the 3 of us.
I guess the most appropriate sign off....
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.....
Faith trust and pixie dust.
C
Sunday, January 04, 2009
knitting
It isn't our mothers hobby any more. I remember when I was a child and my mom was knitting. you basically had only acrylic yarn or wool. There was no such thing as alpaca, cashmere, silk, bamboo, ribbon yarns. I doubt there were many stores solely devoted to yarn.
I found a shawl made by here many moons ago. I remember her knitting it when I was about 7 or 8.
today the knitter has so many choices in yarn, needles, patterns, it is an endless world of color and texture. There is something theraputeic about sitting down with a pair of needles and getting into this rhythm. It is almost hypnotizing at times.
the internet has added an even bigger dimension to knitting. There are doors open to more yarns that our mom's never imagined. Everyone shares patterns there are sites for free patterns for any level of knitter. There are conventions to learn new techniques and to get the newest yarn. I am currently trying to decide if I want to take a train 3 hours to Santa Clara for one of the biggest yarn conventions. If I don't go this year I am going next year.
I am currently waiting for my invitation to join 'Raverly" it is an online site for knitters. It is like all other boards - only huge over 250,000 members. I don't know much abuot it but once I get in there i will let you know what I think.
My first sweater is coming along well. I have started working on teh body. Only 20 some more inches to go. I think to day tho I am going to work on my carpet bag. it needs some devotion plus i need a day of working with larger needles. my hands don't always lke those little needles. give me size 10 and up and I am a happy camper.
I have let many hobbies go by the way side but knitting seems different.
so I am off to knit one purl one for the afternoon.
I found a shawl made by here many moons ago. I remember her knitting it when I was about 7 or 8.
today the knitter has so many choices in yarn, needles, patterns, it is an endless world of color and texture. There is something theraputeic about sitting down with a pair of needles and getting into this rhythm. It is almost hypnotizing at times.
the internet has added an even bigger dimension to knitting. There are doors open to more yarns that our mom's never imagined. Everyone shares patterns there are sites for free patterns for any level of knitter. There are conventions to learn new techniques and to get the newest yarn. I am currently trying to decide if I want to take a train 3 hours to Santa Clara for one of the biggest yarn conventions. If I don't go this year I am going next year.
I am currently waiting for my invitation to join 'Raverly" it is an online site for knitters. It is like all other boards - only huge over 250,000 members. I don't know much abuot it but once I get in there i will let you know what I think.
My first sweater is coming along well. I have started working on teh body. Only 20 some more inches to go. I think to day tho I am going to work on my carpet bag. it needs some devotion plus i need a day of working with larger needles. my hands don't always lke those little needles. give me size 10 and up and I am a happy camper.
I have let many hobbies go by the way side but knitting seems different.
so I am off to knit one purl one for the afternoon.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
I am hopeful
HAPPY 2009. Wonder what it will bring? I started a Lyrica today for my Fibro. I have great hope. It hasn't given me stomach problems like Neurotin did. Thank goodness. I don't think I could do that again. I did have a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread on stand by if needed.
I am hopeful this year we figure out how to treat Drew's develpmental delays. They aren't serious but unless we figure out what is going on it could be detrimetnal as he goes farther in school.
I am hopeful that Scott's next surgery is successful and it takes care of the bulk of the diverticulitis issues and we get rid of the ostomy.
I am hopeful that I can continue to improve my knitting skills and continue to step out side my comfort zone and knit some different items. I am working on my first sweater right now.
I am hopeful that Phil finds what he is looking for. It is hard to 19.
I am hopeful the economy improves and this country learns to live inside its means.
I am hopeful that the new president brings change and promise to this country that lacks direction.
I am hopeful that I continue to grow my Faith and trust in what I believe and have the conviction to stand up for those who say I am wrong.
I am hopeful.......
I am hopeful this year we figure out how to treat Drew's develpmental delays. They aren't serious but unless we figure out what is going on it could be detrimetnal as he goes farther in school.
I am hopeful that Scott's next surgery is successful and it takes care of the bulk of the diverticulitis issues and we get rid of the ostomy.
I am hopeful that I can continue to improve my knitting skills and continue to step out side my comfort zone and knit some different items. I am working on my first sweater right now.
I am hopeful that Phil finds what he is looking for. It is hard to 19.
I am hopeful the economy improves and this country learns to live inside its means.
I am hopeful that the new president brings change and promise to this country that lacks direction.
I am hopeful that I continue to grow my Faith and trust in what I believe and have the conviction to stand up for those who say I am wrong.
I am hopeful.......
Sunday, December 28, 2008
next year
I was looking back over my blog for the past couple of years. I started this in 2006 and had 7 entries, in 2007 I had approx 37 entries, 2008 the total was 70. I am going to set a lofty goal this year of 170. That is approx one every other day.
As you know I refuse to make New Years Resolutions because I feel every day is the start of a new year. Face it every day you wake up it is 365 days until the next time that day rolls around.
What I hope for all of you in the New Year is peace, happiness, health and Pixie Dust out the Wazzu. May you find what you are looking for around the corner and may you have the intelligence to recognize it when you find it.
Much love to everyone
Cathy
As you know I refuse to make New Years Resolutions because I feel every day is the start of a new year. Face it every day you wake up it is 365 days until the next time that day rolls around.
What I hope for all of you in the New Year is peace, happiness, health and Pixie Dust out the Wazzu. May you find what you are looking for around the corner and may you have the intelligence to recognize it when you find it.
Much love to everyone
Cathy
Friday, December 26, 2008
The day after
Well we survived Christmas. how about you? Here is a look at the mayhem at 530 AM when Drew decided we needed to be up and going. Just please note he did not go back to sleep until 9 last night and was up at 8 this AM. all pictures were taken with my present. A new nikon camera.
Hope everyone had a wonderful day and here is to a new year filled with Faith Trust and tons of Pixie dust.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
12 days of Anderson Christmas
12 presents still to wrap
11 Christmas cards to write
10 pounds of Prime rib
9 lights to hang
8 carrots for the reindeer
7 phone calls waiting
6 ornaments to hang
5 cookies baking
4 wreaths to decorate
3 fights to have
2 presents still missing
1Merry Christmas to all.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
I wish
I know many women this problem.
I wish instead of telling me to go buy what I want for Christmas, I wish the men in my family would think about me. What they know about me, My likes and dislikes. What drives me. More than anything I would love them to put some time into my presents, just like I do them. I wish they would stop and thinkg about what i like, my dislikes, my fibro limitations, things i have expressed an interest in trying - and no I don't mean a tatoo. I mean painting with acrylics, quilting, Kumihimo. The hints I keep dropping to get Bill Engvall tickets for January. Even point blank sais I wanted those. I even sent my oldest the instructions down to the dimension to have my former FIL make me a Kumi stand. But it never got done. I don't have an particular projects for knitting right now but a gift certificate would be nice. I love to read - they all know what i like go get me some books. I have Fibro so some massages would be good, I have hair, so a GC to the salon wouldn't be out of line. Things that pamper me. I want a hippo for christmas and i think Drew has that covered. Scott was kind enough to have me make a list of what I needed in the way of small trinkets that I could use for knitting. So I know my stocking is covered.
I don't expect them to go buy me the moon but it would be nice. If they would look at Chrimstas' past they should have some clue. I keep saying maybe a sewing machine so I can quilt again but I have one in my MIL basement and I am sure she wold love to get it out of there and I wold love to have it. He says that he doesn't do anything because I can go buy what I want when I want so there is nothing I need that I can't go get for myself. What I want for myself is my husband and my eldest son to listen to me through out the year, talk to each other and get a plan and enact it. the only present under the tree right now for me is the yarn and pattern to make a felted carpet bag, I had given him the name of a knitting book I wanted. I had to buy it myself becasue he didn't make it there in any reasonable time frame and they were almsot sold out AGAIN. But it isn't even wrapped. It is sitting on his desk. I try and find things that we will have fun with Christmas morning and ahve memories about in years to come. Like last year when all 3 got matchign Jack Skellington Pajamas. They were a great hit. I looked this year for matching hippo slippers but struck out because I didn't want to pay 25.00 a pair. I was informed that last year it wasn't Christmas because "Santa" dropped the ball and didn't get lifesaver books. It was duly noted and Santa has them on his list this year.
What frustrates me is that I spend hours shopping online and instores for things I know everyone wants. I do enjoy it but sometimes I wish someone would return the favor My office looks like Santa is it to store presents that won't fit in his sleigh for this leg of the trip. But if you looked under the tree you'd think I was on Santa's naughty list.
Now don't cut Scott slack on this one. He is up and well. In fact on monday he went to Oakland for a meeting. He goes to the doc today to get released to go back to work on Monday. And if they don't release him, they will have to commit me.
MAybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea.
I wish instead of telling me to go buy what I want for Christmas, I wish the men in my family would think about me. What they know about me, My likes and dislikes. What drives me. More than anything I would love them to put some time into my presents, just like I do them. I wish they would stop and thinkg about what i like, my dislikes, my fibro limitations, things i have expressed an interest in trying - and no I don't mean a tatoo. I mean painting with acrylics, quilting, Kumihimo. The hints I keep dropping to get Bill Engvall tickets for January. Even point blank sais I wanted those. I even sent my oldest the instructions down to the dimension to have my former FIL make me a Kumi stand. But it never got done. I don't have an particular projects for knitting right now but a gift certificate would be nice. I love to read - they all know what i like go get me some books. I have Fibro so some massages would be good, I have hair, so a GC to the salon wouldn't be out of line. Things that pamper me. I want a hippo for christmas and i think Drew has that covered. Scott was kind enough to have me make a list of what I needed in the way of small trinkets that I could use for knitting. So I know my stocking is covered.
I don't expect them to go buy me the moon but it would be nice. If they would look at Chrimstas' past they should have some clue. I keep saying maybe a sewing machine so I can quilt again but I have one in my MIL basement and I am sure she wold love to get it out of there and I wold love to have it. He says that he doesn't do anything because I can go buy what I want when I want so there is nothing I need that I can't go get for myself. What I want for myself is my husband and my eldest son to listen to me through out the year, talk to each other and get a plan and enact it. the only present under the tree right now for me is the yarn and pattern to make a felted carpet bag, I had given him the name of a knitting book I wanted. I had to buy it myself becasue he didn't make it there in any reasonable time frame and they were almsot sold out AGAIN. But it isn't even wrapped. It is sitting on his desk. I try and find things that we will have fun with Christmas morning and ahve memories about in years to come. Like last year when all 3 got matchign Jack Skellington Pajamas. They were a great hit. I looked this year for matching hippo slippers but struck out because I didn't want to pay 25.00 a pair. I was informed that last year it wasn't Christmas because "Santa" dropped the ball and didn't get lifesaver books. It was duly noted and Santa has them on his list this year.
What frustrates me is that I spend hours shopping online and instores for things I know everyone wants. I do enjoy it but sometimes I wish someone would return the favor My office looks like Santa is it to store presents that won't fit in his sleigh for this leg of the trip. But if you looked under the tree you'd think I was on Santa's naughty list.
Now don't cut Scott slack on this one. He is up and well. In fact on monday he went to Oakland for a meeting. He goes to the doc today to get released to go back to work on Monday. And if they don't release him, they will have to commit me.
MAybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
No good deed.....
My dad always told me no good deed goes unpunished.
When I enrolled Drew in school I met the PTA president. Very nice lady. She asked if I would volunteer on the PTA. Sure I said what do you need. She asked if I could head up Holiday wrapping paper sales. Sure I say. Sally Foster takes care of most of the details. I just have to get the forms out, collect them, count the money - with a partner and hand out the paper which has already been sorted by child, grade and teacher. simple.
Nothing in life is simple. We had an order deadlilne. Most orders made it. We thought we had them all. After everything was picked up by Sally Foster i walked into the office and found another stack of about 20-30 orders. I gather them, do my thing, get them turned in. Then Sally Foster lets me know these will come as a seperate order soemtime before Christmas. It is of course to late to cancel the order. So I call ALL the people on the list to tell them they will be delayed. Most are very nice. Some don't listen to their messages and show up on orginal delivery day. I explain that there are orders we are holding on and they will be in before Christmas. Most again are very nice. But there is always one. She was mad that her order didn't make the first cut. She spent 10 minutes at pick up complaining about how I did things. Not sure if teacher didn't get it in or what - (coincedently this parents sisters order is also on the next delivery) I told the parent that there was nothing I could do but I would call Monday - today and see what I could find out. I told her when I had an answer I would let her know. So she shows up today at paper handouts wanting to know where her stuff is. I told her I didn't have an answer yet. 830 tonight my phone rings. I was reading to drew so it went to my cell voice mail. it was her wanting to know if I knew anything because she needs it by Monday. Her and everyother person on my list (you know the patient ones). I left her a message telling her once again I didn't have an answer, that I had emailed the rep as well as called her. and as soon as I had an answer I would be calling her as well as the other parents who are waiting on orders.
Sorry it is a vent night. So my thought? She doesn't like how it is done she should do it next year. but I am sure she will use the excuse that she is a working mom and can't simply be bothered by such as this.
Going to bed now to dream about
Faith trust and pixie dust.
When I enrolled Drew in school I met the PTA president. Very nice lady. She asked if I would volunteer on the PTA. Sure I said what do you need. She asked if I could head up Holiday wrapping paper sales. Sure I say. Sally Foster takes care of most of the details. I just have to get the forms out, collect them, count the money - with a partner and hand out the paper which has already been sorted by child, grade and teacher. simple.
Nothing in life is simple. We had an order deadlilne. Most orders made it. We thought we had them all. After everything was picked up by Sally Foster i walked into the office and found another stack of about 20-30 orders. I gather them, do my thing, get them turned in. Then Sally Foster lets me know these will come as a seperate order soemtime before Christmas. It is of course to late to cancel the order. So I call ALL the people on the list to tell them they will be delayed. Most are very nice. Some don't listen to their messages and show up on orginal delivery day. I explain that there are orders we are holding on and they will be in before Christmas. Most again are very nice. But there is always one. She was mad that her order didn't make the first cut. She spent 10 minutes at pick up complaining about how I did things. Not sure if teacher didn't get it in or what - (coincedently this parents sisters order is also on the next delivery) I told the parent that there was nothing I could do but I would call Monday - today and see what I could find out. I told her when I had an answer I would let her know. So she shows up today at paper handouts wanting to know where her stuff is. I told her I didn't have an answer yet. 830 tonight my phone rings. I was reading to drew so it went to my cell voice mail. it was her wanting to know if I knew anything because she needs it by Monday. Her and everyother person on my list (you know the patient ones). I left her a message telling her once again I didn't have an answer, that I had emailed the rep as well as called her. and as soon as I had an answer I would be calling her as well as the other parents who are waiting on orders.
Sorry it is a vent night. So my thought? She doesn't like how it is done she should do it next year. but I am sure she will use the excuse that she is a working mom and can't simply be bothered by such as this.
Going to bed now to dream about
Faith trust and pixie dust.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Adoption Quiz. Do you see anything WRONG with this post?
Shall we count the ways?
Still available1/2 Anglo, 1/2 unknown race
due 2-16-09fetus appears to be a boy presented 11-25-08
Mother wants a married couple or single woman
Heterosexual only agency adoption
$4800 AdoptLink +
$25,000 estimated including finalization if baby is mixed race
$39,000 estimated including finalization if baby is Anglo.
Unfortunately this is the way it is in the adoption world.
I stole this from my friend Lori's blog. This is an actual post from a facilitators list of potential babies. If you see anything wrong with this ad let me know. If you don't I am truly sorry for you.
Still available1/2 Anglo, 1/2 unknown race
due 2-16-09fetus appears to be a boy presented 11-25-08
Mother wants a married couple or single woman
Heterosexual only agency adoption
$4800 AdoptLink +
$25,000 estimated including finalization if baby is mixed race
$39,000 estimated including finalization if baby is Anglo.
Unfortunately this is the way it is in the adoption world.
I stole this from my friend Lori's blog. This is an actual post from a facilitators list of potential babies. If you see anything wrong with this ad let me know. If you don't I am truly sorry for you.
Friday, December 05, 2008
The question finally came....
We have always told Drew that he was adopted and that he grew in my heart not my tummy. Earlier today I found out one of his friends has a new baby brother as of this morning so tonight he brought up how he came to be.
He asked if someone cut me open and moved him from my heart to my tummy and he came out that way. (pretty ingenious for 6) I said no. Well then how did I get out of your heart he asked. Taking a deep breath and looking at Scott, I explained that he grew in my heart but in someone else's tummy. WHAT I HAVE MORE PARENTS?!?!? he asked. I said that we were his parents and that someone else gave him to us to be his parents because she couldn't be his mommy. He asked what she looked like. We told him what we remembered. He asked if she was flexible because he is. I told him I didn't know. He asked her name. I told him Angel. He asked if I loved her. I said I was grateful for the gift she gave me. Scott started to go into more detail but I stopped him. I wasn't sure what Drew wanted to know exactly - kind of like when a kid asks where babies come from. Plus I wanted to see how Drew was digesting this news. Drew said He didn't want to talk about it anymore because it was just too wierd. So we let it drop.
I am sure there will be many more discussions on this topic as he gets older. But at least the dialoge is out there and we will be as open as we can with Drew as long as it is age appropriate. There are some things he will not know for a long time- maybe ever.
He asked if someone cut me open and moved him from my heart to my tummy and he came out that way. (pretty ingenious for 6) I said no. Well then how did I get out of your heart he asked. Taking a deep breath and looking at Scott, I explained that he grew in my heart but in someone else's tummy. WHAT I HAVE MORE PARENTS?!?!? he asked. I said that we were his parents and that someone else gave him to us to be his parents because she couldn't be his mommy. He asked what she looked like. We told him what we remembered. He asked if she was flexible because he is. I told him I didn't know. He asked her name. I told him Angel. He asked if I loved her. I said I was grateful for the gift she gave me. Scott started to go into more detail but I stopped him. I wasn't sure what Drew wanted to know exactly - kind of like when a kid asks where babies come from. Plus I wanted to see how Drew was digesting this news. Drew said He didn't want to talk about it anymore because it was just too wierd. So we let it drop.
I am sure there will be many more discussions on this topic as he gets older. But at least the dialoge is out there and we will be as open as we can with Drew as long as it is age appropriate. There are some things he will not know for a long time- maybe ever.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
blogblock
During the day I think of things to write about and share with my few but loyal readers. Then it comes time to sit and type something and I get blogblock. then I end up rambling about nothing of any importance. Silly trivial things that no one probably cares about but me.
guess what is happening right now?!?!?! Blog Block. Check back tomorrow.
Maybe I will make a list of topics or feel free to suggest something. I need all the help i can get.
guess what is happening right now?!?!?! Blog Block. Check back tomorrow.
Maybe I will make a list of topics or feel free to suggest something. I need all the help i can get.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Another blog
Several years ago we got into some financial problems. It was a matter of being irresponsible. I found this great site creditboards.com and I learned how to turn it around and improve our credit. There are very knowledgeable people on the site who support and guide people on how not to let collection people bully/scare you into paying what you shouldn't have to. Credit Boards are nationally recognized and have been written about in many magazines including US News, Time etc. I learned about the Fair Debt Collection Act as well as the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These are important thing for you to know about even if you dont' have credit problems. It is a matter of having the knowledge and being an informed consumer. using the info I learned, I found how collection agencies use tactics that are illegal to bully people in to paying what they don't owe. I also learned how to make the laws work for me.
We got out of debt and improved our credit scores. Then came 2 moves in 2 years, a house that wouldn't sell etc. We lived off our credit cards. Recently, Pam, the site owner asked for people who had gotten their act together and then had fallen back on hard times and were working to get back on the right track to contact her about writing a blog. I contacted her. I got an email today asking if I would write a blog on the Creditboard site - for all the world to see. I don't know how many blogs there are but check it out. With the down turn in the economy many people are not alone in scrambling to get out of debt and clean up their credit reports.
So come on over, read my story, read other stories, learn a thing or two about credit in this economy and how to protect yourself. If you are in a financial mess come read the stories of those digging out and how to help yourself. It saved us the first time and I am using what I learned several years ago again along with new tactics to help us this time around.
We got out of debt and improved our credit scores. Then came 2 moves in 2 years, a house that wouldn't sell etc. We lived off our credit cards. Recently, Pam, the site owner asked for people who had gotten their act together and then had fallen back on hard times and were working to get back on the right track to contact her about writing a blog. I contacted her. I got an email today asking if I would write a blog on the Creditboard site - for all the world to see. I don't know how many blogs there are but check it out. With the down turn in the economy many people are not alone in scrambling to get out of debt and clean up their credit reports.
So come on over, read my story, read other stories, learn a thing or two about credit in this economy and how to protect yourself. If you are in a financial mess come read the stories of those digging out and how to help yourself. It saved us the first time and I am using what I learned several years ago again along with new tactics to help us this time around.
Monday, December 01, 2008
World according to Drew part 2
I really don't have much to say right now. So I thought I would bore you with more of Drew's pictures. Like I said I was amazed at his view. It made me realize so much about what kids see and absorb in the world. I am seeing an artistic streak start to emerge in him. I want to foster that - something I am not good at. I remember teachers yelling at me for coloring outside the lines in kindergarten. I want Drew to think outside the box and not be stifled creativly. I have an ace in the hole to help him. His preschool teacher from the Art Center is a dear dear friend of mine and she helps me by making sure (and giving me ideas) he gets what he needs to further his artistic side. He actually took a series of pictures of his lego people having an action battle on my plant. he would pose them take the picture, move them, take another pic, move them again etc. Like he was making a mini movie. Maybe I need to get the movie camera out for him. I may have a budding speilburg on my hands.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
World According to Drew
A few weeks ago. Drew "borrowed" my camera. Here are just a few of the pics he took. It was interesting to see the world from his point of view.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful for part 2
This is a weird year. Scott Drew and I are in California (and today it feels and looks like Kansas). Our family is in Kansas and according to them it is cold but the sun is shining. It is just the three of us. If we were home we would be rushing between Kansas City for an early dinner and then back to Topeka for a late one. What are we doing? I am on the computer. The turkey is in the oven. Scott is playing Xbox and Drew is watching cartoons. I have been perusing sales on line in between getting enough food for an army ready for the 3 of us.
I think back to holidays past at my Dad's cousin Kay's house. The hustle and bustle. ALL the relatives. The insane amount of food. As time as passed our giant family times at the farm have faded away as have the amount of family still with us. Thanks to all of them for instilling a sense of family in me that in the future I hope to pass on. I look forward to future years when we will all be together under one roof to share the feast of giving thanks for all that we have.
I am thankful for a husband who provides so I can stay home with Drew and provide a stable routine for him. I am thankful for my oldest son, the one I have been to hell and back with before Scott came into our lives. I am thankful for Drew,who helps me to stop and remember it is the small things in life that truly count. I am thankful for my sister, who gives me the reality check I need sometimes. I am thankful for the love and support of my dad. I am thankful for Andrea loving my dad. I am thankful for Steve for loving my sister. I am thankful for Mary Lou for raising such a wonderful son, who has turned out to be my best friend.
I am thankful for friends who are always there. I am thankful for everyone who gives of their time and talents in all areas. I am thankful to the men and women who are in harms way to keep us safe so we can share this time with our families. I am thankful for their families who sacrifice so I can be safe.
I am thankful I can help my youngest son understand the meaning of giving by donating to organizations to help those less fortunate. I am thankful for the teachers who gave me knowledge, courage, passion and a sense of who I am today.
This one may sound funny. I am thankful for the technology that has allowed me to contact old friends. It is nice to have them back in my life.
may you have a day filled with all the Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust the world has to offer.
C
I think back to holidays past at my Dad's cousin Kay's house. The hustle and bustle. ALL the relatives. The insane amount of food. As time as passed our giant family times at the farm have faded away as have the amount of family still with us. Thanks to all of them for instilling a sense of family in me that in the future I hope to pass on. I look forward to future years when we will all be together under one roof to share the feast of giving thanks for all that we have.
I am thankful for a husband who provides so I can stay home with Drew and provide a stable routine for him. I am thankful for my oldest son, the one I have been to hell and back with before Scott came into our lives. I am thankful for Drew,who helps me to stop and remember it is the small things in life that truly count. I am thankful for my sister, who gives me the reality check I need sometimes. I am thankful for the love and support of my dad. I am thankful for Andrea loving my dad. I am thankful for Steve for loving my sister. I am thankful for Mary Lou for raising such a wonderful son, who has turned out to be my best friend.
I am thankful for friends who are always there. I am thankful for everyone who gives of their time and talents in all areas. I am thankful to the men and women who are in harms way to keep us safe so we can share this time with our families. I am thankful for their families who sacrifice so I can be safe.
I am thankful I can help my youngest son understand the meaning of giving by donating to organizations to help those less fortunate. I am thankful for the teachers who gave me knowledge, courage, passion and a sense of who I am today.
This one may sound funny. I am thankful for the technology that has allowed me to contact old friends. It is nice to have them back in my life.
may you have a day filled with all the Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust the world has to offer.
C
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
What do I have to be thankful for?
Some times I forget to stop and think about what I am truly thankful. I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, good friends and family. We have our health and are happy. I have lots to be thankful for but here 3 of my main reasons to be thankful everyday.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Scott finally gave up - or I won depending on whose view you take.
When Scott and I first got married he didn't understand my love of Christmas. He has gotten better about going along. He has steadfastly refused to allow anything to go up before the Friday after Thanksgiving but this year....
I have been itching for a bit of Christmas cheer. I teased my friend Sarah (check out Dukes of Lawrence blog) that she had her tree up. Then my friend Anna who owns my fave yarn shop here in Sacramento told me here tree was up. I posed the question WHY?!?!?! to both women and Sarah said "because Christmas lives in her heart year round and there is no reason not to celebrate as long as possible" Anna was a little more down to earth in her response of "it just seems silly to go to all that work just to take it down in 3 weeks." They are both right. So today....
I got the mantle decorated. It is the first time I had a mantle to hand our Christmas stocking on. Pictures will be posted soon. I have the Christmas boxes out and have been sorting thru them. WOW I have lots of stuff. I know I am missing some boxes that are at Mary Lou's. Drew has been checking out the new Advent calendar. He is ready for the countdown to begin.
Part of me wanted to wait till Phil got here December 12. But I realized that was not fair to Drew. He needs the traditions carried on. Phil had his years and now it is Drew's turn. Phil is thankful not to be here this year for the decorating and is happy to pass on the responsibility to Drew. So this year Phil will not get the joy of putting it all but but he will get the task of taking it all down.
Hey you win some, you lose some. Sorry boys.
I have been itching for a bit of Christmas cheer. I teased my friend Sarah (check out Dukes of Lawrence blog) that she had her tree up. Then my friend Anna who owns my fave yarn shop here in Sacramento told me here tree was up. I posed the question WHY?!?!?! to both women and Sarah said "because Christmas lives in her heart year round and there is no reason not to celebrate as long as possible" Anna was a little more down to earth in her response of "it just seems silly to go to all that work just to take it down in 3 weeks." They are both right. So today....
I got the mantle decorated. It is the first time I had a mantle to hand our Christmas stocking on. Pictures will be posted soon. I have the Christmas boxes out and have been sorting thru them. WOW I have lots of stuff. I know I am missing some boxes that are at Mary Lou's. Drew has been checking out the new Advent calendar. He is ready for the countdown to begin.
Part of me wanted to wait till Phil got here December 12. But I realized that was not fair to Drew. He needs the traditions carried on. Phil had his years and now it is Drew's turn. Phil is thankful not to be here this year for the decorating and is happy to pass on the responsibility to Drew. So this year Phil will not get the joy of putting it all but but he will get the task of taking it all down.
Hey you win some, you lose some. Sorry boys.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
conformity or Puff the Magic Dragon needs to live
Well today was volunteer day. Chaos reigned. I actually got kind of ticked at the morning teacher. One thing I love about kids is how they think out side the box. This teacher seems to believe in kindergarten conformity. She told all the kids that their turkeys must be brown with red gobbles. There were to be no purple turkeys because that is not how turkeys look. Hello!?!?!!? Who says there are no purple turkeys - maybe they havne't been seen yet. She also took the feathers off of one little girls turkey because she put them on the bottom of the bird and not on the sides. Turkeys have feathers all over not just on the sides. I was really upset that this teacher had the gall to take a childs special creation which she was proud of and turn it into something that was not an expression of the childs own creativity. Kids have lots of time to conform to the norms that are enforced on them. I for one want to be a purple cow.
I introduced Drew to the world of Puff the Magic Dragon today. It has quickly become a fave song. I think that is my rebellion against the kindergarten teacher who believes in only brown turkeys. Life is too much like Puff these days and Puff is abandoned way to early in my opinion.
These are the special papers that parents like to keep. They show how a child thought outside the box. If every one believed that all turkeys were brown the world would have been robbed of the likes of Andy Warhol, Bach, Picasso, Maya Angelou, Einstein etc. And what a blah world that would be.
I introduced Drew to the world of Puff the Magic Dragon today. It has quickly become a fave song. I think that is my rebellion against the kindergarten teacher who believes in only brown turkeys. Life is too much like Puff these days and Puff is abandoned way to early in my opinion.
These are the special papers that parents like to keep. They show how a child thought outside the box. If every one believed that all turkeys were brown the world would have been robbed of the likes of Andy Warhol, Bach, Picasso, Maya Angelou, Einstein etc. And what a blah world that would be.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Knocked for a loop.
I woke up yesterday with a killer headache. I haven't had anything like this in ages. I was pissed because it felt like a hangover and I don't remember having any fun the night before.
I thought it would pass. Wrong. I had to take 3 doses of migraine medicine as well as Ativan before it would begin to subside. It was one of those headaches where your eyes can't focus and all you want is quiet, dark and cold.
I am at least upright today. I am still having lingering flashes of pain. I plan to take it easy for one more day.
Scott saw the surgeon Friday. He is still limited to 20 hours a week. They are hoping he can go back full time after he sees the doc again on December 12. He sees the new surgeon on Wed and he is hoping they go ahead and schedule the second surgery sooner rather than later. But we shall see. I kind of do too. Esp since we have met all deductibles for the year.
I thought it would pass. Wrong. I had to take 3 doses of migraine medicine as well as Ativan before it would begin to subside. It was one of those headaches where your eyes can't focus and all you want is quiet, dark and cold.
I am at least upright today. I am still having lingering flashes of pain. I plan to take it easy for one more day.
Scott saw the surgeon Friday. He is still limited to 20 hours a week. They are hoping he can go back full time after he sees the doc again on December 12. He sees the new surgeon on Wed and he is hoping they go ahead and schedule the second surgery sooner rather than later. But we shall see. I kind of do too. Esp since we have met all deductibles for the year.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pandemonium
I spend every Thursday afternoon volunteering in Drew's kindergarten classroom. I have a good time. I get to know his friends and see how amazing Drew is. He is kind, caring, smart. I love to watch him take it all in. I get to be a part of his school time with out him feeling like I am intruding. I know those days will come all to soon.
Today, however, I came to the very real conclusion that I was not meant to be a kindergarten teacher. In the Sacramento school district, they do parent teacher conferences very different than anything I have witnessed before. The kids get half days for 8 days. Teachers hold 3-4 conferences a day and don't have to work late. This is good for the teachers and full day students, as well as morning Kindergarten students. For the afternoon kindergarten kids it is a nightmare. They are used to sleeping in a little, not having a rushed morning, getting to eat breakfast, watch TV - get ready at their leisure. Not during minimum days. The afternoon kindergarten kids have to go in the AM so in Drew's classroom there are 40+ kids from 8-11:30. It is that way in the other kindergarten class as well. It is controlled chaos.
I did my volunteer time this morning. The kids were split into groups of 5-7 kids and they visited "centers" each center had an activity. at one station they were cutting pilgrim hats for their pilgrim faces. At another they were doing language arts worksheets. One station was magnadoodle and one was geosquares. I had the math worksheet. It was my job to help these kids in small groups work on ordinal numbers. We were working on 6th thru 10th. This was not on my kindergarten cirriculum. I don't even think it was taught in 1st grade. Ever try to keep the attention of 5-7 kids to do a work sheet when all around them there are 35 ohter kids talking and playing? It was not pretty. I was able to think on my feet and get their attention but keeping it was another matter. We managed.
It was obvious the kids, both morning and afternoon, were out of their element. I had several tell me they didn't like all the noise. It was a distraction to them. No one could hear anything, let alone learn anything in that environment. Everyone was definitely ready for recess and snack.
I don't know how the teachers do it. In some ways I think it is very unfair to them as well as the students. It would be better if they rotated the kindergarten every other day. Or have the teachers do all the conferences in a day and a half. and be done with it.
I guess the teachers have a better union than the kids.
Today, however, I came to the very real conclusion that I was not meant to be a kindergarten teacher. In the Sacramento school district, they do parent teacher conferences very different than anything I have witnessed before. The kids get half days for 8 days. Teachers hold 3-4 conferences a day and don't have to work late. This is good for the teachers and full day students, as well as morning Kindergarten students. For the afternoon kindergarten kids it is a nightmare. They are used to sleeping in a little, not having a rushed morning, getting to eat breakfast, watch TV - get ready at their leisure. Not during minimum days. The afternoon kindergarten kids have to go in the AM so in Drew's classroom there are 40+ kids from 8-11:30. It is that way in the other kindergarten class as well. It is controlled chaos.
I did my volunteer time this morning. The kids were split into groups of 5-7 kids and they visited "centers" each center had an activity. at one station they were cutting pilgrim hats for their pilgrim faces. At another they were doing language arts worksheets. One station was magnadoodle and one was geosquares. I had the math worksheet. It was my job to help these kids in small groups work on ordinal numbers. We were working on 6th thru 10th. This was not on my kindergarten cirriculum. I don't even think it was taught in 1st grade. Ever try to keep the attention of 5-7 kids to do a work sheet when all around them there are 35 ohter kids talking and playing? It was not pretty. I was able to think on my feet and get their attention but keeping it was another matter. We managed.
It was obvious the kids, both morning and afternoon, were out of their element. I had several tell me they didn't like all the noise. It was a distraction to them. No one could hear anything, let alone learn anything in that environment. Everyone was definitely ready for recess and snack.
I don't know how the teachers do it. In some ways I think it is very unfair to them as well as the students. It would be better if they rotated the kindergarten every other day. Or have the teachers do all the conferences in a day and a half. and be done with it.
I guess the teachers have a better union than the kids.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A mother knows or right decision or give them wings.
When Phil called to tell me he wanted to come out here I was excited but hesitant. I had a feeling he was making a rash decsion based on some feelings of being scared and lonely. Everytime we talked, there he never seemed sure about his decision. I kept telling him it was his decision to make. He was an adult and I couldn't make it for him. I knew this was hard on him. On one hand he had a dream to be in the medical field - on the other hand he didn't want to leave all he knew for the unknown. (good thing he didn't have to come to America from a foreign country in the early 1900's or go west in the 1800's)
I have held my excitement in check pretty well.
Today I knew why. He called this morning and we had a fight. the next thing I knew he was saying he wasn't sure he wanted to move. I felt he was using the fight as an excuse to change his mind. I finally let it drop and told him once again this was for him to figure out. i could advise but not make the final decision for him.
He told me tonight that his Aunt Amie surprised him today. He figured she would be totally against him moving here. But she was able to give him some insight from the Greek point of view. It made him realize several things. Things he needed to change about himself and about his situation.
Then, he had a talk with his friend Cody. He admitted to Cody the real reason he was moving to CA. Cody made a little pact with him. He has told Phil, if that the reason he was coming out here was because of wanting to get a fresh start to go to med school ,he would make it his mission to ensure that Phil did what he needed to do at Washburn to get it done. (Cody - we will talk someday - you robbed me of my live in babysitter)
I knew deep down that if the decsion was that hard for Phil to make, coming out here was NOT the right decision. Tonight Phil and I had a heart to heart. I told him that I knew him better than anyone- better than he knew himself. It is a mom thing. As hard as it was and with tears in my eyes, I gave Phil wings today. I told him he needed to stay in Topeka and get it done there. It would have been so easy to rescue him. To let him come here and take the easy way. but that is not what he needed. Amie knew that. I knew that but didn't want to admit it. I sometimes forget he is a man and I need step back more often and let him fly. If he falls that is when I need to open the nest door not before his wings expand. Otherwise he will know never know how high he can truly soar. Eagles will be beneath him if he is given the chance. Thanks to my sis for seeing his true potential
She gets an extra dose of Pixie Dust today. Thanks Amie.
C
I have held my excitement in check pretty well.
Today I knew why. He called this morning and we had a fight. the next thing I knew he was saying he wasn't sure he wanted to move. I felt he was using the fight as an excuse to change his mind. I finally let it drop and told him once again this was for him to figure out. i could advise but not make the final decision for him.
He told me tonight that his Aunt Amie surprised him today. He figured she would be totally against him moving here. But she was able to give him some insight from the Greek point of view. It made him realize several things. Things he needed to change about himself and about his situation.
Then, he had a talk with his friend Cody. He admitted to Cody the real reason he was moving to CA. Cody made a little pact with him. He has told Phil, if that the reason he was coming out here was because of wanting to get a fresh start to go to med school ,he would make it his mission to ensure that Phil did what he needed to do at Washburn to get it done. (Cody - we will talk someday - you robbed me of my live in babysitter)
I knew deep down that if the decsion was that hard for Phil to make, coming out here was NOT the right decision. Tonight Phil and I had a heart to heart. I told him that I knew him better than anyone- better than he knew himself. It is a mom thing. As hard as it was and with tears in my eyes, I gave Phil wings today. I told him he needed to stay in Topeka and get it done there. It would have been so easy to rescue him. To let him come here and take the easy way. but that is not what he needed. Amie knew that. I knew that but didn't want to admit it. I sometimes forget he is a man and I need step back more often and let him fly. If he falls that is when I need to open the nest door not before his wings expand. Otherwise he will know never know how high he can truly soar. Eagles will be beneath him if he is given the chance. Thanks to my sis for seeing his true potential
She gets an extra dose of Pixie Dust today. Thanks Amie.
C
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The tickles.
I am trying to just make sure I write in here daily. Some days i have to search to think of something.
Since Scott has been sick I have taken over helping Drew with his homework. We have fun. He has this thing about being tickled. HE LOVES IT. So after each page or when he does something really well I tickle him. He loves it and for some reason it gets him to move on to the next thing. It also helps when he makes a mistake. Gets him over it pretty fast. It surprised me that there is homework for kindergarten. It is sent home on Monday and we send it back completed on Friday.
Scott made dinner tonight. it was really good.
Looking for money? you might check www.missingmoney.com It is a data base for all state databases of money that has not been claimed. I found 30.00 for Scott. It was from the overpayment of a hospital bill in 2000. Too bad they don't tack on interest.
Since Scott has been sick I have taken over helping Drew with his homework. We have fun. He has this thing about being tickled. HE LOVES IT. So after each page or when he does something really well I tickle him. He loves it and for some reason it gets him to move on to the next thing. It also helps when he makes a mistake. Gets him over it pretty fast. It surprised me that there is homework for kindergarten. It is sent home on Monday and we send it back completed on Friday.
Scott made dinner tonight. it was really good.
Looking for money? you might check www.missingmoney.com It is a data base for all state databases of money that has not been claimed. I found 30.00 for Scott. It was from the overpayment of a hospital bill in 2000. Too bad they don't tack on interest.
Monday, November 10, 2008
still knitting
I am still knitting Christmas presents. I can't say what they are because some people read my blog. My shoulder still hurts but I couldn't get in to the doctor.
Phil is telling his fraternity brothers tonight of his upcoming departure. i know this is going to be very hard on him. I know he says he is coming but until he walks thru that front door with his bags I am holding my excitement in check. He could change his mind and decide to stay in Topeka and that would be OK too. It has to be what he wants to do. I just don't want him to live with regrets and what ifs - no matter what he decides.
My Santa bag from Pottery Barn Kids came today. I can't wait to put the Santa presents in it and leave it Christmas morning. Scott just shook his head. As frustrated as I get some times he is very indulgent with me. Scott is kind of happy that this means he won't be up late putting presents together. They can just go in the bag and put together Christmas AM. I have a feeling one or 2 will have to be put together for appearance sake.
well off to knit.
FTPD
C
Phil is telling his fraternity brothers tonight of his upcoming departure. i know this is going to be very hard on him. I know he says he is coming but until he walks thru that front door with his bags I am holding my excitement in check. He could change his mind and decide to stay in Topeka and that would be OK too. It has to be what he wants to do. I just don't want him to live with regrets and what ifs - no matter what he decides.
My Santa bag from Pottery Barn Kids came today. I can't wait to put the Santa presents in it and leave it Christmas morning. Scott just shook his head. As frustrated as I get some times he is very indulgent with me. Scott is kind of happy that this means he won't be up late putting presents together. They can just go in the bag and put together Christmas AM. I have a feeling one or 2 will have to be put together for appearance sake.
well off to knit.
FTPD
C
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sunday
Scott came up and read to Drew tonight. I know Scott has missed being able to do that. And I know how much Drew missed his special Daddy time. Every day we see improvement. He starts back to work part time tomorrow.
I have 2 Christmas presents done. Lots to go but I have to figure out why my shoulder is hurting so much first. I am going to go to the doc tomorrow to see what the deal is.
I have 2 Christmas presents done. Lots to go but I have to figure out why my shoulder is hurting so much first. I am going to go to the doc tomorrow to see what the deal is.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
today
Today I started my end of co dependency. Last night I told Drew when he woke up to let me sleep. If needed something he could ask dad but I needed to sleep. Scott was a little upset that Drew did wake him up but I reminded him that I had nto slept well for the past 2 nights and it was time to decide if he was well or an invalid. If he chose invalid I was going to remove the TV, Phone and computer from his room because if he was that sick he didn't need the distractions of those things interferring with him getting better. He decided he was well. I went and ran my errands, told Scott where I was stopping for lunch. He said he wasn't sure if he could eat that, I told him if he didn't feel he should/could eat it that there was left overs in the fridge. He chose what I as having. He is currently out for a walk. He goes back to work part time from home Monday. I am going to have him learn how to at least dress the main wound today. It is not hard. 4 peieces of gauze and some tape. I had him call the new lawn people the other day. When the called back he let the machine pick it up and told me they called back. I said I knew it and he needed to return the call to set up a time to get an estimate.
Phil will find when he gets here, I am not as accessible. I have already been trying to get him to phone less. Until he decided to move here it was working. If I was in the middle of soemthing I would tell him I would call back. I did call back but not always on his time table. HEy it is babysteps but I am getting there.
Phil will find when he gets here, I am not as accessible. I have already been trying to get him to phone less. Until he decided to move here it was working. If I was in the middle of soemthing I would tell him I would call back. I did call back but not always on his time table. HEy it is babysteps but I am getting there.
Friday, November 07, 2008
on edge
I feel like I am about to explode. I don't know why I am so edgy but I feel like a powder keg ready to go KABOOOOOMMMMM. and heaven help who ever is on the other end. Every little thing that anyone does makes me jumpy.
My shoulders are killing me. I am not sleeping. Me who has always loved to talk on the phone hates to hear it ring lately. I just want to be left alone. i want no responsibility for a while.
Yeah, I know that is not about to happen. I refuse to feel guilty about having everyone eat leftovers tonight. I refuse to feel guilty that all I want is a bath in my tub and no noise. I refuse to feel guilty that I want my husband to take responsibility for taking care of his wound and ostomy. I refuse to feel guilty. PERIOD. If he can take a conference call when he is not to be working than he can go get his own left overs. i have been at his beck and call for a month now and I am tired and DONE. All I want to do is get in my car and drive to Tahoe or Reno. Maybe come back maybe not - who knows.
I thank my dad and MIL for their moral support but it is time that Scott start to accept some of the responsibilty. I can't come to his office everytime he needs something when he is released to go tot he office. He has to be prepared. I have done all the men in my life a big disservice by being there 24/7 since Drew was born.
I keep asking my friends when it is my turn. Guess what my turn is now.
My shoulders are killing me. I am not sleeping. Me who has always loved to talk on the phone hates to hear it ring lately. I just want to be left alone. i want no responsibility for a while.
Yeah, I know that is not about to happen. I refuse to feel guilty about having everyone eat leftovers tonight. I refuse to feel guilty that all I want is a bath in my tub and no noise. I refuse to feel guilty that I want my husband to take responsibility for taking care of his wound and ostomy. I refuse to feel guilty. PERIOD. If he can take a conference call when he is not to be working than he can go get his own left overs. i have been at his beck and call for a month now and I am tired and DONE. All I want to do is get in my car and drive to Tahoe or Reno. Maybe come back maybe not - who knows.
I thank my dad and MIL for their moral support but it is time that Scott start to accept some of the responsibilty. I can't come to his office everytime he needs something when he is released to go tot he office. He has to be prepared. I have done all the men in my life a big disservice by being there 24/7 since Drew was born.
I keep asking my friends when it is my turn. Guess what my turn is now.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
On the mend
I can't thank Mary Lou and my dad for coming out at different times to help during the emergency with Scott. They have both been a lifesaver. I wish my dad could stay longer because I am really having fun having him here.
Scott is on the mend. He is up more. Still sleeping down stairs but at least he is now cooking his own breakfast and today he cleaned the counters in the kitchen. Monday he will officially start working from home up to 20 hours a week. He sees the doc on the 14th and will probably be cleared to work 40 hours from home at that point.
Phil is telling his cousins his decision tonight. He seems to believe this is the best for him. I know this is a very hard decision for him. He will be leaving Topeka on December 20th so he should be here by Christmas Eve- depending on the weather.
FTPD
C
Scott is on the mend. He is up more. Still sleeping down stairs but at least he is now cooking his own breakfast and today he cleaned the counters in the kitchen. Monday he will officially start working from home up to 20 hours a week. He sees the doc on the 14th and will probably be cleared to work 40 hours from home at that point.
Phil is telling his cousins his decision tonight. He seems to believe this is the best for him. I know this is a very hard decision for him. He will be leaving Topeka on December 20th so he should be here by Christmas Eve- depending on the weather.
FTPD
C
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
never ceases to amaze me
You would think by 19, almost 20 that Phil would be old hat and he wouldn't surprise me. WRONGO BUFFALO!!!!!
I get a text this AM saying he missed doing math and science. So I tell him to take them. He then calls and says Mom, what have I always wanted to do. I said be a doctor. He said yes and I can't do that here. There are too many temptations in the Frat. I can't study the way he needs and he realized he was taking the easy way out by going into Criminal Justice. He has asked to come here and go to the community college and then transfer to Sac State next year. For the time being he will live at home. He has made contact with the Sig Ep chapter at SacState and they have invited him to hang with them.
Not sure if this will really happen but I personally think it will be good for him. He talks about the promises he made to Grammy and Trent. He wants to save lives. He knows to be Dr. Phil he will have to sacrfice. It will really bother him to leave the frat but he can go back and visit and from what I ahve already heard I will have the Sig Ep house sleeping in my bonus room over spring break.
I get a text this AM saying he missed doing math and science. So I tell him to take them. He then calls and says Mom, what have I always wanted to do. I said be a doctor. He said yes and I can't do that here. There are too many temptations in the Frat. I can't study the way he needs and he realized he was taking the easy way out by going into Criminal Justice. He has asked to come here and go to the community college and then transfer to Sac State next year. For the time being he will live at home. He has made contact with the Sig Ep chapter at SacState and they have invited him to hang with them.
Not sure if this will really happen but I personally think it will be good for him. He talks about the promises he made to Grammy and Trent. He wants to save lives. He knows to be Dr. Phil he will have to sacrfice. It will really bother him to leave the frat but he can go back and visit and from what I ahve already heard I will have the Sig Ep house sleeping in my bonus room over spring break.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Another first
This is such a historic day. Tonight we will have the first African American president or the first woman VP. I personally am hoping for the first. But no matter, Americans are turning out in record numbers to cast votes.
Do you remember the first time you voted in a Presidential election? How did it feel as you were waiting in line? What about after you turned your paper or flipped that switch? did you go to a watch party to wait out the returns? Or did you just skip it all and not care?
Today in my life is another first. Phil is old enough to cast his ballot. It doesn't seem possible. I remember in Florida when we lived there. They had ballots for kids - names like George Washington, John Adams adorned the kids ballots. But it gave them a sense of pride that they were being treated as adults.
Today, Phil will walk into a polling place and cast a ballot. he will have the opportunity for the first time in his adult life to voice his opinion on how he wants the country run. He will get to have a voice in the direction of what happens in the future.
I hope he understands that this is a fundamental cornerstone of our country. I hope he takes it seriously.
This just in. As I was typing this he called and had voted. "performed his civic duty" as he called it. five minute wait in Topeka kansas as of 11:45AM.
Do you remember the first time you voted in a Presidential election? How did it feel as you were waiting in line? What about after you turned your paper or flipped that switch? did you go to a watch party to wait out the returns? Or did you just skip it all and not care?
Today in my life is another first. Phil is old enough to cast his ballot. It doesn't seem possible. I remember in Florida when we lived there. They had ballots for kids - names like George Washington, John Adams adorned the kids ballots. But it gave them a sense of pride that they were being treated as adults.
Today, Phil will walk into a polling place and cast a ballot. he will have the opportunity for the first time in his adult life to voice his opinion on how he wants the country run. He will get to have a voice in the direction of what happens in the future.
I hope he understands that this is a fundamental cornerstone of our country. I hope he takes it seriously.
This just in. As I was typing this he called and had voted. "performed his civic duty" as he called it. five minute wait in Topeka kansas as of 11:45AM.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Feels like Kansas
I had to check a map today. It is 60 degrees and rainy and windy. Thought a tornado had picked me up and took me back to Kansas. Nope I was still in California. It is funny to see people in heavy coats, hats and scarves when it is 60 degrees. In Kansas that is sweater weather but not heavy coat weather. I think my blood must have thinned out. I would have killed for a pair of gloves when I was picking up Drew this afternoon.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Long Day
The first Sunday in November...the day many wait for to grab that extra hour of sleep. Unfortunately I did not get mine this time around. At 3 the phone goes off. It is Scott down stairs - same symptoms as the last Pulmonary Embolism. I rush down stairs. Grab the phone. He agrees to let me call 911. At least they didn't come with lights and sirens blazing. They took Scott to the hospital. I stayed and got Drew up and dressed. He was surprisingly very cooperative give it was 330 in the morning. Drove to the hospital downtown. they can't figure out what is causing the problems and why he is clotting. He is on anti coagulation therapy that is monitored daily. Strange thing. Yesterday it was 2.6 and 12 hours later it had dropped to 2.2. Very strange.
thank goodness for Facebook. I didn't want to call and bother my family in Kansas at that horrid hour.
Before I left the house I posted I was headed to the hospital. I knew my sis always checks her Facebook in the morning and would see it. I I was right. She called me at the hospital early. She also got ahold of my dad. He will be here tomorrow. Mary Lou left yesterday.
So while many were enjoying an extra 60 minutes of sleep, I had an extra 60 minutes to be Thankful for modern medicine that kept my husband alive yet again. And for modern technology that alerted my family that things were not well here in California.
Always have
Faith, Trust and lots of Pixie Dust
thank goodness for Facebook. I didn't want to call and bother my family in Kansas at that horrid hour.
Before I left the house I posted I was headed to the hospital. I knew my sis always checks her Facebook in the morning and would see it. I I was right. She called me at the hospital early. She also got ahold of my dad. He will be here tomorrow. Mary Lou left yesterday.
So while many were enjoying an extra 60 minutes of sleep, I had an extra 60 minutes to be Thankful for modern medicine that kept my husband alive yet again. And for modern technology that alerted my family that things were not well here in California.
Always have
Faith, Trust and lots of Pixie Dust
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